US tariffs in 2026: what changed
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| February 20 | The Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful. |
| February 24 | A temporary 10% tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 took effect, limited to 150 days. |
| July 24 | Section 122 expired. Section 301 tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies took effect. |
| October 1 | Fiscal year 2027 customs fees began. |
Normal duty rates, the older Section 301 tariffs on Chinese products and Section 232 tariffs on goods such as steel and aluminum continued throughout.
Customs fees from October 1, 2026
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Merchandise Processing Fee, formal entries | 0.3464% of value, minimum $34.58, maximum $670.86 |
| Merchandise Processing Fee, informal entries | $2.77 per automated entry |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee | 0.125% of value, ocean shipments only |
Before you price an imported product
- Confirm the 10-digit HTS code and its General duty rate.
- List every additional tariff for that code and country of origin.
- Add customs fees, freight, insurance and your broker’s charges.
- Divide by the number of units, and set your price against that landed cost, not the factory price.
Equipment write-offs in 2026
Business equipment bought in 2026 can usually be written off in full in the first year: 100% bonus depreciation is permanent for property acquired after January 19, 2025, and Section 179 allows up to $2,560,000. The depreciation calculator compares that with spreading the cost over several years.
Selling to the UK or EU
Parcels going the other way have their own rules. The UK charges no customs duty on goods of £135 or less (VAT is collected at checkout), while the EU has charged a flat €3 duty per item type on parcels of €150 or less since July 1, 2026. The UK & EU import VAT calculator covers both.
Tariff rates change often, so the calculator asks you to enter the current rates rather than storing them. Check them with the US tariff schedule or a licensed customs broker before you order.